Eaters Beware

Journalist Michael Pollan recently published an interesting book called “In Defense of Food.” In it he argues we could maximize health by only eating food our ancestors would recognize. He advises us to focus on eating real food – mostly plants – and not too much of it. Pollan opposes processed food and corporate farming and says much of what we're eating now isn't even food, but "food like substances" … or "imitations of real food."

Here are his seven rules for better health:

1) Don't eat anything your great-grandmother wouldn't recognize as food.

2) Don't eat anything with more than 5 ingredients listed, or with ingredients you can't pronounce.

3) Don't shop in the middle aisles of a supermarket. That's where most processed foods are displayed. Instead, buy along the sides where real food like eggs, milk and fresh vegetables tend to be.

4) Don't eat anything that won't rot -- like Twinkies.

5) Leave the table when you're about 80% full.

6) Don't buy food where you pump gasoline.

7) Eat meals with people you love.

His book certainly makes you think about what you're putting in your body. While I haven't gone the organic route just yet – because I like the convenience and variety of a supermarket – over the years, I've cut down on junk food and have gone back to eating fresh food with few ingredients. I also buy an assortment of fruits and vegetables and salad. Sometimes I'll even bake a loaf of whole grain bread.

Here is my recipe:

3 1/2 cups whole wheat flour

3 1/2 cups rye flour

2 1/4 cups buttermilk [Eyeball the amount as you work the dough.]

4 tablespoons brown sugar, or honey

1/4 cup of caraway seeds

1/8 cup flax seeds [Eyeball the amount.]

2 packages dry yeast

2 teaspoons salt

4 tablespoons olive oil

2 eggs [The eggs are optional, but I use them to add protein.]

Extra whole wheat flour to sprinkle while kneading

Make sure the wet ingredients are lukewarm. Mix everything in a bowl until the batter is firm. Kneed until the dough is easy to handle. Place the dough in an oiled bowel. Cover and let rise in a warm place until the dough doubles [about an hour]. On a cutting board kneed again and shape into a loaf. Oil a large loaf pan and press your dough into it. Allow the dough to stand again in a warm area until it doubles. [Extra tip: For the best tasting bread you'll ever make, bake it in a cast iron dutch oven with a lid, instead of a loaf pan. You can add a cup of raisins also.] Preheat your oven to 400 degrees and bake for 25-30 minutes until done. Remove bread from the pan while it is warm. Slice and enjoy!

What A Difference 100 Years Make

This week I'm celebrating a birthday.  Well actually, I celebrate birthdays in small ways with treats all month long. Already my Mom sent me a lovely card, a thoughtful gift and a fascinating clip from a neighborhood newspaper about what it was like living many years ago. The caption is, “What a difference a century makes.”  I have to admit it's a fun read, but what exactly is my Mother trying to say by sending it to me on my birthday, hmm?  You can read it for yourself below.

Here are some statistics for the Year 1909:

The average life expectancy was 47 years.

Only 14 percent of the homes had a bathtub.

Only 8 percent of the homes had a telephone.

There were only 8,000 cars and

only 144 miles of paved roads.

The maximum speed limit in most cities was 10 mph.

The tallest structure in the world was the Eiffel Tower.

The average wage in 1909 was 22 cents per hour.

The average worker made between $200 and $400 per year.

A competent accountant could expect to earn $2,000 per year.

A dentist $2,500 per year, a veterinarian between $1,500 and $4,000 per year and

a mechanical engineer about $5,000 per year.

More than 95 percent of all births took place at HOME.

Ninety percent of all doctors had NO COLLEGE EDUCATION!

Instead, they attended so-called medical schools, many of which were condemned in the press and the government as 'substandard. '

Sugar cost four cents a pound.

Eggs were fourteen cents a dozen.

Coffee was fifteen cents a pound.

Most women only washed their hair once a month and used Borax or egg yolks for shampoo.

{People also used lye soap to wash their hair and skin. Homemade lye soap killed poison ivy, poison oak and took tough stains out of laundry!}

Canada passed a law that prohibited poor people from entering into their country for any reason.

Five leading causes of death were:

1. Pneumonia and influenza

2. Tuberculosis

3. Diarrhea

4. Heart disease

5. Stroke

The American flag had 46 stars. {New Mexico, Arizona, Alaska and Hawaii had yet to come into the union.}

The population of Las Vegas, Nevada was only 30!

Crossword puzzles, canned beer and ice tea hadn't been invented yet.

There was no Mother's Day or Father's Day.

Two out of every 10 adults couldn't read or write.

Only 6 percent of all Americans had graduated from high school.

Marijuana, heroin and morphine were all available over the counter at the corner drugstore. Back then pharmacists said, "Heroin clears the complexion, gives buoyancy to the mind, regulates the stomach and bowels and is, in fact, a perfect guardian of health."

Eighteen percent of households had at least one full-time servant or domestic help.

There were about 230 reported murders in the Entire U.S.A. {I wonder how many murders were unreported! Or undetected!}

After considering the world 100 years ago, aren't you happy to be celebrating birthdays in the 21st century? So much has improved. People are living to be ripe old ages, and with the touch of a button information, music and video can be sent around the globe in seconds.

The article suggests we, "try to imagine what it will be like living 100 years from now."

Just think: What new technologies and inventions will there be? Which diseases will be cured? How will life be better? What will homes look like? How will people work and play? What will transportation be like? And how will the map of the world change?

And while we're at it, why not imagine how we'd like for the world to be in 100 years and contribute to making it happen for all humanity.

Moving Towards The Sun

Summer is here. It officially arrived on June 21, the summer solstice, a turning point in the earth's journey towards the sun. So unless you live Down Under {Hello Australia!!} let the longest days and warmest time of the year begin! I love the easy, breezy days of summer when the great outdoors can be enjoyed like no other time of the year. And isn't a summer wardrobe cheaper, easier … skimpier and more fun to put together? Even at swanky affairs you can get away with showing up in a no fuss dress, or light cotton slacks – looking comfortable, casual and smart. Leave your multi-layers and neutral beige at home. Whip out a spectrum of lively colors to go with the sunshine and adventures of the season. Now is the time to relax, kick back your heels and play.

This year the summer sales started early. Already retailers – with good price points all year around – are offering 20%-70% off on everything you need for the summer. They include:

Lands' End – Expect to find quality fabrics and well-made clothes, shoes and beachwear for men and women. Choose from a large inventory of 40% off. Prices range from $10-$35.

Newport News – They are known for their ultra low prices and cute styles. Sun-kissed tops, flirty skirts, pants and capris are listed from $8-$25.

Gap – They are offering 20%-50% reductions on summer clothes for men and women. For a limited time you can get jeans [in stores only] for $19.99. [Regularly: 49.50-69.50] Prices for most tanks and tees are $9.99.

Old Navy – They have weekly specials for men and women. You can get up to 50% off on tops, pants, shorts, dresses, swimwear and accessories. Prices range from a hard-to-beat $5-$30.

Victoria's Secret Catalogue – Their semi-annual sale is on. You'll find a big variety of tops, skirts, dresses, jeans, swimwear, shoes and accessories discounted 20%-60%. Prices start at $10 and go up.

All of the merchants offer weekly deals, so check their websites before you buy for up-to-the-minute savings, plus free shipping. Now go out and make the most of your summer.

Celebrating Father's Day

Photo by Natalie Kimball

My Father … perhaps like yours … had many attributes. He was smart, funny, creative, patient, a gentleman; the list goes on and on. But the quality I remember most was his reliability. He was there for you. You could count on him ... and his good judgment. Even during spats as a teenager, I was secure in the knowledge that he was totally on my side.

I was lucky to have a caretaker dad. The summer I turned seven my two front teeth were missing. All summer my Dad cut watermelon into cubes so I could eat it. When I was 25, my Dad came to visit me in New York. Before leaving to return home he told me that of all the things he accomplished in his life, being a dad was the role he enjoyed the most.* And perhaps that's why he was so good at it and explains why I always knew he approved of me and would go to any lengths for me. Whatever the circumstances, good, bad or ugly, he was there for you.

My Father died a few years ago, so I'll spend this Father's Day Sunday remembering him and all the years we had together. And I'll feel lucky to have had him as my Dad.

Happy Father's Day to all fathers. May you receive the gift of having your children nearby and knowing how much they love and cherish you.

Ideas for Father's Day:

1. Spend the day with Dad. Engage in activities he likes. [a meal, theater, music, a movie, sports]

2. Call him and have a leisurely conversation. Be open and accepting. Take your cues from him and listen twice as much as you talk.

3. Make or buy him his favorite music. [records, CDs, or program an ipod]

4. Give him a favorite book.

5. Order him a magazine subscription he'll enjoy.

6. Put together a basket of favorite treats.

7. Fill a need, or bring him something that will make his life easier.

8. Spring for season tickets [for two] to an activity of his choice. Go with him if possible. [If you can afford it, make it for 3 or 4 and include your mother and/or spouse.]

*At the time of Dad's remark we were out sampling New York pizza, and I wondered what made him say such a thing. I was surprised, but pleasantly surprised.

Ever Cooked With A Lodge Culinary Treasure?

"Nestled" in the Appalachian Mountains of Tennessee sits a company that's been making cast iron cookware since William McKinley was president. Established in 1896, Lodge Cast Iron has been owned and operated by four generations of the Lodge family. Amazingly, some of those first skillets, griddles and Dutch ovens are still in use today. That's 113 years of use!

There are many reasons why cast iron pans get handed down from one generation to the next. They are exceptional heat conductors. Cast iron heats evenly, consistently and retains heat. To say they are durable and a good value is an understatement. With the proper care, a skillet will last several lifetimes.

Cast iron skillets are the original – and natural – non-stick pans. After "seasoning,” they get better with age. With chemically-treated pans, the Teflon wears off after a few years. Cast iron pans never stop working, and there's no perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), a carcinogen, to worry about.

Enameled Dutch oven  

Seasoning a cast iron pan is easy. You coat it {inside and out} lightly with vegetable oil and bake it upside down in an oven heated to 300 degrees for 60 minutes. The oil fills in microscopic pores to create a smooth non-stick surface and keeps your pan rust-free. You're supposed to clean your cast iron cookware with hot water and no soap because using soap will remove the seasoning. But I've never had a problem using a drop of soap and hand-washing it with a sponge or scrubbing it with a piece of aluminum foil. I simply brush the skillet with a little olive oil the next time I cook.

A cast iron pan is so versatile. It can be used on top of the stove, in the oven, on a grill, or even over a campfire. You can make the best tasting pancakes on the griddle and month-watering stews in the Dutch oven. Lodge added enameled pans in 2005 letting you cook tomato-based (an acid) soups without worrying about the dish picking up a metallic taste after sitting in the cookware for hours.  I love cornbread "fried" in a skillet that has been brushed lightly with oil.

Professional chefs swear by cast iron. And imagine never having to replace your cookware. Even after 100 years, you simply clean, season and use it. A 10¼ inch skillet sells for $22.95, but you can find it for less. Grandma really did know best.

High Fashion Runway Meets Mass Market Retail

Like many woman, I try to buy beautifully designed dresses, skirts and pants that are well made and last many seasons – unless that is, I'm looking to add a trendy piece to my wardrobe. In that case, I don't mind if the dress or top only lasts a season or two, and I don't usually pay a lot of money for it. Sorry Tommy Hilfiger – but in general you can get away with spending less than $30 for fun (and summer articles) like tanks, shorts, tees and even dresses. Last summer I found a cute 100% cotton dress at H & M for $10, and honestly, I never fail to get compliments on it. Today, I wore it to a doctor's appointment, and my MD wanted to know where I got it! As it turns out, my doctor shops at H & M too. Obviously, our bad economy has hit everyone.

The exciting news is many leading designers, known for their high fashion couture and celebrity clients, are teaming up with mass retailers like H & M, Target, JC Penny and others to bring out a collection of affordable clothing for men and women. Now more than ever you can be cheap and chic at the same time. And why not?

Here are a few retailers who have hired famous designers and are offering trendy clothing at lower prices.
Target signed:
Alexander McQueen – He is known for his bright, vibrant patterns. Prices range from $23 - $80.
Carlos Falchi – He designs leather classic, yet modern handbags and accessories. Prices will be announced.
JC Penny hired:
Charlotte Ronson – Her line is called “I Heart Ronson.” She is known for her floral skirts and frilly dresses. Prices range from $15 - $65.
Uniqlo signed:
Steve Allen – He is known for his button down shirts and unisex, urban appeal. Expect to pay $39-$59.
Jil Sanders – She is known for her minimal aesthetic style and clean lines. Prices will be announced.
At Wal-Mart:
Max Azria – has joined Maley Cyrus to design a rock music inspired line of clothing and accessories for teens. Everything sells for under $20.
H & M signed:
Mathew Williamson – He is known for his fun, bold colors and prints. Prices start at $25.

And finally, remember the summer sales began at the end of June. You're sure to see generous markdowns and reap big savings.


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You Can't Always Get What You Want

Keith Richards & Mick Jagger, The Rolling Stones

Don't get me wrong, I like nice things, but am not an overly materialistic person -- and I don't like to accumulate clutter which is what would happen if I bought everything that popped into my head. At the same time, when I need something I don't hesitate to get it.

When buying a product gives me pause, it's usually because I'm tempted by a good price or feature ... but I don't necessarily need that item. I either already have something comparable, an older version, or I probably wouldn't use it very often -- but having it " just in case" is appealing.

Every winter I wear a pair of black UGG suede boots which my feet adore! They are incredibly comfortable, toasty warm and ultra stylish when paired with jeans or dresses. And boy, do they hold up. Even after five seasons, they still look terrific. But they DON'T look brand new. So when I passed a shoe store that offered my UGGs for $50 off, temptation reared its ugly head. I nearly bought them on the spot. In the end, I decided, "no," because, 1) I'm not ready to throw out the old pair, 2) I have plenty of boots, and 3) I don't need another pair (not really). It took discipline, but ultimately I saved $110 by passing on the sale.

Now I'm going through the same temptation over buying a new printer. I have a compact Hewlett Packard deskjet that sits neatly in the corner of my room. It prints beautifully, but that's all it does. Lately, I wonder if I should get an all-in-one printer. If I needed to fax, copy, scan and crank out photos frequently my decision would be an easy "yes," and I'd replace my old inkjet in a heartbeat. But the fact is, I mainly need to print. On rare occasions when I need to copy, I have a drugstore across the street that charges five cents a page. Another drugstore on the opposite corner develops photos. And, my low tech printer shows no signs of wearing out. So the dilemma is, do I get what I want "just in case?" Or save $150 plus by keeping what -- so far -- fits my needs? What kind of a buyer are you? Do you over buy? Or under buy?

Treat Yourself To One Nice Thing

I don't wear costume jewelry. I'd much rather own a few good pieces of the real thing — even if it's just inexpensive sterling silver, or a simple gold chain — over having a dresser drawer full of designer, sometimes more costly costume jewelry.

And I hope everybody has the experience of receiving classic jewelry like 14k gold earrings for a 21st birthday, or a bracelet with precious stones to celebrate a graduation, given to you by someone who matters in your life. That's why it's the worst feeling in the world to lose a piece of jewelry. Often there's a story and sentimental value behind that neckless, so it can't easily be replaced.

Once in a while I'm even good to myself. I notice that with jewelry I'm a more modest spender and not quite as generous with myself, as I am when buying for another person. But it all works out, because that's how special people in my life are with me also.

I have a pair of cultured pearl earrings that I bought on sale at Macy's department store for $80. They may not be flawless Akoya pearls, but they are nice. They are classic ... real ... and a thing of beauty. They dress up any outfit -- and with care, they will last for decades.

So here's a pearl of wisdom. Every so often when you reach a milestone, or overcome a hardship, let yourself have one nice thing. Reward yourself for meeting a challenge with a strength and resilience you didn't know you had. It doesn't have to be a top of the line purchase, necessarily; just factor into your budget a little something you are hankering to buy. Make sure it's something that brings you happiness ... and enjoy it, because the reality is, it doesn't take long to live a life.

You Are What You Eat

Good nutrition builds body cells, keeps us healthy and helps us stay mentally alert. With spring here and summer fast approaching, it's the perfect time to add healthy foods, including an assortment of fruits and vegetables to your diet. The price is right, and you can afford to be adventurous. Have fun mixing it up. Eat a variety of colors and experiment with new recipes.

Recently I tried making homemade tomato sauce. It was nearly as convenient as opening a jar, and I thought tasted better and fresher without the unnecessary preservatives -- with names I can't even pronounce.

Then I wanted a cool, sweet treat, so I threw blueberries and skim milk into a blender and added sweetener to get a refreshing, low fat - high protein smoothie. It's cheaper than ice cream, good for you and delicious. (You may not want to give up ice cream entirely; just reserve it as a special treat.)

Both recipes are keepers. See if you agree:

Homemade Tomato Sauce

2 28 oz cans whole tomatoes (Break the tomatoes up with your fingers.)

Extra virgin olive oil for sautéing garlic, onions and vegetables in a skillet --

1 medium onion, diced and sautéed

1 bay leaf

1 teaspoon salt
fresh black pepper

1 teaspoon oregano [all the spices to taste]

1 tablespoon basil

1 teaspoon garlic (or sautée 4 cloves garlic)

1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes

Optional:

Add any, or all the following to the tomato sauce --

1 small bell pepper, diced and sautéed

1 small zucchini, diced and sautéed
2 or 3 mushrooms, sliced and sautéed

Separately, brown and add some (1/4 - 1/2 pound will do) lean ground beef

Throw the above into a large pot, bring to a boil and simmer for 15 minutes. Pour over cooked pasta of your choice. Makes 6 servings.

Berry Smoothie

Drop into a blender:

1 cup skim milk

Choose one: 1/3 cup frozen strawberries; or 1/3 cup frozen blueberries; or use fresh berries and 3 ice cubes

2 teaspoons sugar, or a natural sweetner.

Blend for a minute, or until smooth. Pour into a tall glass. Makes one serving, so multiply for the number of servings needed. Enjoy!

Great Gifts For Mom And Everyone Else

For natural beauty products I count on two stores, their names so similar that folks looking for one might make the mistake of walking into the other. The Body Shop and Bath & Body Works are two separate stores with much in common. Both offer skin, body and hair care items made from pure, ultra indulgent ingredients. Both sell pretty gift sets – ideal for birthdays, special occasions and days when you just need to pamper yourself. And both give terrific discounts on spa and glamour products that are already reasonably priced – usually just when you need gifts for special occasions like Mother's Day.

Recently I received a thoughtful gift – The Body Shop's "Love Your Body" card. It comes with exclusive member-only benefits. On Thursday, the card's 10% discount increased to a whopping 25% [for one day only], so I ran in to stock up on my favorite product in the store, their Mononi Miracle Oil. It's a great after-bath moisturizer and ends-of-hair treatment. I was given my membership card along with a gift certificate – the perfect combination to make someone feel like a VIP. The Body Shop also has top-notch makeup. Rich in pigments, colors last all day.

At Bath & Body Works the inventory is enormous! Whether you buy fragrances, skincare, or accessories, you'll get excellent quality and value. There are literally 1001 gifts to choose from - including their signature body sprays, lotions and shower gels, soft micro-terry loungewear, self-heating gloves, and booties, plus blends of aromatherapy oils, shea butter, and candles. Brand new this year is a lovely "garden in a pail.'' You can select a mix of snapdragon, petunia, and marigold, or bring home indoor sunflowers, or choose parsley, basil, and chives. You simply can't go wrong with either store to find the perfect gift. And while you look, be sure to pick up a tiny indulgence for yourself.

Finding Shoes For Discerning Feet

 

The human foot is a wonder. There are more bones in the foot than in any other single body part. And when you consider that your feet support the weight of your entire body and make walking, balance and dancing possible, you begin to understand why. So buying well crafted shoes isn't just a vanity, but a necessity. Skimp on footwear and you experience pain and foot problems. And certainly fashion matters.

Lands' End has a variety of comfortable, functional shoes. Their all weather mocs and snow boots rival Merrell’s for smart casual styling and top craftsmanship, but cost much less. And they often run unbelievable deals. I bought my $34.99 all weather mocs – already a fabulous price – for just $19.99, plus free shipping. For the summer I just ordered a flexible, contemporary Mary Jane to wear like a sneaker for walking and received 20% off.  

Another great place to look for shoes is Zappos.com. They are known for their amazing customer service. You get a huge selection of shoes, a full year to return shoes you don’t like or can’t wear, and it’s all risk free, because they offer free shipping both ways. So if you order an 8 but find that what you need is an 8 ½, Zappos pays for the return and sends out the new size free of charge. I favor soft leathers that breathe, extra cushioning and sturdy arch support. With Zappos I find the item descriptions, rotating photos, and the customer reviews extremely reliable in taking the guesswork out of ordering shoes online. Other customers tell you if a shoe is true to size, has arch support, or needs to be ordered a size up. When I can’t find what I want in a shoe store, I usually can find it at Zappos. Do you have a favorite place to buy shoes?

Where Value And Convenience Converge

I love drugstores. Sometimes I go in to pick up one item like toothpaste or Alka-Seltzer and end up browsing for half an hour. There are just so many useful items in the aisles of a drugstore, including cosmetics, medicine, cleaners, groceries, electronic gadgets and other household necessities. You can find everything from cotton socks, comfortable slippers and beach wear to greeting cards, emergency gifts and lawn chairs. Enter and you have the possibility of one-stop shopping. I especially like the weekly specials drugstore chains run on goods most people need in their daily lives, like breakfast cereals, paper towels and laundry detergents. At my local drugstore, I can buy a gallon of milk and a dozen eggs for less than I pay at the supermarket. What I appreciate too is you get a wide selection of excellent personal care products, at irresistible prices, making it unnecessary to go anywhere else for them. Rarely do I feel ripped off after shopping in a drugstore. Usually I leave satisfied carrying home staples, things I truly need at unbeatable prices. And isn’t that a wonderful feeling?

Here are 10 of my favorites – often offered on sale at "buy one, get one free," – and I hope you will add a few of your own to the list:

1. Pantene PRO-V Shampoo – Rich and keeps locks healthy

2. Aussie DEEEEEP 3 Minute Miracle Conditioner – Super! It really works.

3. Vaseline Petroleum Jelly – I keep a jar at my desk while working and dab my lips with it all day long.

4. TRESemme Heat Tamer Protective Spray – Detangles hair and leaves no residue.

5. Olay Complete Moisture Lotion with SPF 15 – I use it as a face moisturizer and sun tan lotion.

6. Dove Beauty Bar – Creamy, great smelling soap.

7. TRESemme Shampoo – The big size – 32 ounces – is a bonus and feels pure to hair and scalp.

8. [Drug store brand] Antiseptic Mouthwash – In Vanilla Mint and Citrus favors.

9. Aussie Shampoo – Terrific stuff! [Yep ... unmistakable pattern - 5 hair products on list.]

10. Cetaphil Moisture Lotion – Dermatologists recommend it.

And finally, on your next trip don't forget to bring your manufactures' coupons and dollar rewards card for extra savings.

The Waiting Is The Hardest Part

Take a look at my new dress. One glance at this crinkled, polka dot creation by Komarov, and I knew I wanted it. It wasn’t just calling, but chanting my name. However, the hefty price tag – $239 – was more than I usually spend for a daytime dress, even one this eye catching and flattering. Sure I was tempted – and I like adding a classic piece to my wardrobe each season. But $239 retail? Yikes! Good things, like saving $150, come to those who wait.

Everyone has a ceiling price, the most you feel comfortable paying for a garment. It depends on income and circumstances. I understand spending hundreds of dollars for a dress if you live a public life that involves walking across a stage before a television camera, with millions of people watching, as you pick up an award. And in similar circumstances, I'd head over to Harry Winston's … Valentino's … and Jimmy Choos'.

But my real world routine involves going to work and attending a fair share of dressy, low profile functions, so I can get away with simply looking nice. And thank goodness, I don’t require a different outfit for every occasion. The fact is no one remembers precisely what I wear. Most people just remember that I look decent or pulled together. Or at least, I hope so! There's really no need for me, or the average person to overspend on clothes.

Besides when it comes to clothing, most everything goes on sale at some time. So it's totally unnecessary to shell out full price, because what you want will eventually be reduced by 30-40-50%, or more. Over the years, I’ve learned what looks good on me, and I buy well-tailored, natural fabrics and classic pieces that won’t go out of style. I also save hundreds of dollars by putting items on a wish list, then waiting it out. This strategy works whether I shop in a department store, or over the internet.

I spotted my Komarov dress at Nordstrom’s at full price, put it on my wish list, and then waited for the price to drop to $89. Now I’m just waiting for the weather to warm up so I can wear it. The waiting may be the hardest part, but it’s always worth it. Now let me ask, how much are you willing to pay for a dress?


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A Rock 'N' Roll Odyssey

"The Stories We Can Tell" and "Brand New Tennessee Waltz" - Everly Brothers

My friend, Cara S., confuses the words "fan" and "fanatic" all the time. I know because she does it whenever she uses my name and the Everly Brothers in the same sentence.

The reality is the Everly Brothers were my father's favorite singers in the whole world, and I don't remember a time they didn't play in our house. Don and Phil have gorgeous voices and soaring, to-die-for harmonies. They are the best there will ever be. So I admit I'm a fan too. But in my friend's mixed up vernacular, she calls me an "Everly Brothers fanatic.” Maybe it’s because I had my picture taken in front of their plaque at the Country Music Hall of Fame and toured Studio B, the audio house of their early hits. Or perhaps, it’s because I replaced all my father's old Everly Brothers records with new CDs – and than ordered a boxed set, two documentaries and a biography. What took Dad years to collect, I bought in a few months, and that's what convinced her she had me pegged correctly. But, I’m not a fanatic – bless her heart – just a FAN who knows a good thing when she hears it. Clearly, my friend needs a good dictionary.

Amazon proved to be a great place to shop for my Everly Brothers' music. First, you can use the site like a library to search for albums, even if you buy elsewhere. Second, it lets you shop between many dealers across the country to find the lowest price. The tab “Artists Store,” is a good resource to see everything your artist released and what formats – CDs, DVDs, videos, MP3s and LPs – are available. Hit “Take Me There” to view album icons and hear song samples. Since it’s all on your screen, you can quickly assess what you own and what you need for your collection. Next you can zero in on a single release. Select the correct format, then click “New,” or “Used” for a range of prices. Amazon adds $2.99 for shipping, but it makes no difference from which state the item ships. I still paid less for each CD, verses walking into a record store. Because you are told what condition a CD, DVD, or book is in, I bought several “Used” CDs listed in “Like New” condition. Expect substantial savings.

I only buy music I'll listen to again and again ... and truthfully, I never – ever – get tired of The Everly Brothers. Next up – the EB exhibit at the Rock And Roll Hall of Fame. But shhhh … don’t tell ... Cara might stage an intervention.

"The Price of Love," Words & Music by Don and Phil Everly

Performing on Hullabaloo hosted by Trini Lopez


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